Make your family dinner special with this tasty baked beans with hamburger recipe. It combines ground beef, crispy bacon, and a sweet-savory sauce. This Southern-style dish is great for BBQs, potlucks, or casual get-togethers. It’s quick to prepare and ready in under an hour, making it a comforting side dish.
Key Takeaways
- This baked beans with hamburger recipe yields 18 servings, easily serving 9-10 people with hearty portions.
- The dish features a blend of canned baked beans, ground beef, and bacon for a satisfying texture and flavor.
- The recipe suggests using between 50-60 ounces of baked beans, with the option to increase to 84 ounces for larger servings.
- The seasoning combination includes salt, pepper, brown sugar, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard for a delicious balance of sweet and savory.
- The total preparation and cooking time for this recipe is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick and convenient option for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings.
Why This Southern-Style Baked Beans Recipe Is Perfect for Your Family
In Southern cuisine, baked beans are a big hit. This recipe adds ground beef to the classic beans. It’s great for family gatherings and social events. It’s perfect for any event, from backyard barbecues to cozy family dinners.
This recipe is great for feeding a lot of people. It’s easy to make and has plenty of food. The beans, beef, and sauce make it a hit at any gathering.
This recipe is also very flexible. You can make it sweeter or more savory. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy days or weekend meals.
“This baked beans recipe is a staple at our family events. The combination of the classic bean flavors and the heartiness of the ground beef always leaves everyone satisfied and coming back for seconds.”
If you want to add South flavors to your next event, try this recipe. It’s easy to make, feeds many, and tastes great. It’s a true crowd-pleaser.
Essential Ingredients for Baked Beans with Hamburger Recipe
Making the perfect baked beans with hamburger dish needs the right ingredients. You’ll need ground beef, bacon, different beans, and seasonings. Each part is key to a tasty Southern-style meal.
Ground Beef and Bacon Selection Tips
Choose lean ground beef for a good texture and less grease. Mixing ground beef with ground pork adds flavor. Pick thick-cut or applewood-smoked bacon for a smoky taste.
Bean Types and Sauce Components
Use 4 (12-ounce cans) of baked beans, like Bush’s Original, for a sweet and savory taste. Navy beans are great because they’re tender and soak up flavors well. The sauce includes 3/4 cup of brown sugar, 1/2 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, and 1 tablespoon of mustard.
Seasonings and Aromatics
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for a savory depth of flavor
- 1 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper to add a subtle heat
- Diced onions to provide a aromatic base
With these ingredients, you can make a hearty and delicious baked beans dish. It’s sure to impress your family and friends.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make this tasty baked beans with hamburger recipe, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, you’ll need a large skillet or Dutch oven for cooking the ground beef and bacon. You’ll also use it to mix all the ingredients together. A big baking dish or a 13″x9″ baking pan is needed for baking the beans in the oven.
You’ll also need some basic kitchen utensils. These include measuring cups and spoons, a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring, and a meat chopper or fork. These tools help you prepare, cook, and bake your homemade baked beans.
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Greased baking dish or 13″x9″ baking pan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Meat chopper or fork
With these essential tools, you’re ready to make a comforting baked beans dish. It’s perfect for your family’s dinner table.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Preparing the Meat and Bacon
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to crumble the beef as it cooks. This ensures it’s fully cooked and no longer pink, taking about 5-7 minutes. After cooking, drain any extra fat from the skillet.
Then, add the bacon to the skillet. Cook until it’s crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. Once done, place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Combining Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, mix together the cooked ground beef, crumbled bacon, and other ingredients:
- 3 (15-ounce) cans of pork and beans
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup ketchup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Stir everything together until it’s well mixed.
Baking Process
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Put the baked bean mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Bake it uncovered for 45-60 minutes. This ensures the beans are bubbly and hot.
The cooking techniques used here, like browning the beef and crisping the bacon, add rich flavors. The baking time helps the flavorful baked beans reach the perfect bean consistency.
“The combination of the savory ground beef, crispy bacon, and sweet and tangy sauce makes this baked beans recipe an absolute crowd-pleaser!”
Tips for Perfect Bean Consistency
Getting the right bean texture and sauce thickness is key for great Southern-style baked beans. Here are a few easy tips to help:
- Drain and rinse one or two cans of beans, depending on your preference for thicker or thinner baked beans. This lets you control the bean-to-sauce ratio.
- Simmer the beans for an extra 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce more. Longer cooking breaks down the starches, making the sauce creamy and thick.
- For a true Southern-style baked bean, aim for a thick, rich sauce. It should hold its shape when spooned, like a creamy bean texture and sauce thickness, similar to cream cheese frosting.
With a few tweaks, you can get the baked bean texture everyone will enjoy. The goal is to find the perfect balance between beans and sauce for a hearty, saucy dish.
“The perfect baked beans should be thick enough to stand a spoon in, with a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite.”
Customizing Your Baked Beans Flavor
Baked beans offer endless flavor options. You can make them sweeter or spicier, based on your taste. Let’s look at some tasty ways to make your baked beans stand out.
Sweet and Savory Variations
The mix of sweet and savory is key in baked beans. To sweeten them, add more brown sugar or molasses. For a savory taste, cut down the sugar and boost the ketchup or tomato sauce.
You can also try maple syrup or honey for a special flavor.
Spice Level Adjustments
Want a bit of heat? Add cayenne pepper or minced jalapeño. This adds a nice kick. For a smoky taste, use smoked paprika or chipotle chili powder. Start with a little and adjust to your liking.
Trying different spices and flavor variations can make your baked beans perfect. Whether you like them sweeter, savory, or spicier, there’s a lot to explore. Start making your spiced cakes today!
“The secret to the best baked beans is in the balance of flavors – a little sweet, a little savory, and a hint of spice.”
Make-Ahead and Storage Options
Make this tasty baked beans recipe ahead of time for convenience. You can prepare it up to two days early. It’s great for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
For longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready. This way, you can enjoy it anytime without starting from scratch.
| Storage Method | Storage Time |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Up to 5 days |
| Freezer | Up to 3 months |
This baked beans recipe is perfect for any occasion. It’s great for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a satisfying meal. Its make-ahead and storage options save you time and effort in the kitchen.
“The best part about this baked beans recipe is that it can be made in advance, making it a breeze to whip up a delicious and comforting meal whenever you need it.”
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These savory baked beans with hamburger are perfect for BBQs or potlucks. Serve them with creamy potato salad, tangy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. This balances the richness of the beans.
For a heartier meal, pair the beans with grilled meats, hot dogs, or enjoy them as a main dish.
Perfect Side Dishes
For a complete BBQ feast, add sides like buttery cheddar biscuits, crispy sweet potato fries, or a vibrant avocado salad. For a treat, include spicy sausage skewers or creamy garlic butter shrimp.
Don’t forget tangy pickled red onions or a refreshing fresh fruit salad to make your spread stand out.
Main Course Combinations
These baked beans with hamburger are great as a side or the main attraction. Pair them with classic BBQ chicken or juicy hamburgers for a full meal.
For a twist, serve the beans with macaroni and cheese or BBQ sliders. This makes for a comforting and tasty combo.